Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1987261 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 90DEG 5MM	247
1787001 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 38POS 90DEG 3.5MM	0
1792698 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
1912304 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 90DEG 5MM	1091900
1969632 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 10.16MM	20
1717043 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HEADER 7.62MM 6POS	100
1883255 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5.08MM	0
1738843 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.5MM	0
1720479 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 7.62MM	336
1827224 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 3.81MM	361
1808816 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5.08MM	3003550
1963450 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 2.5MM	40
1721025 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 7.62MM	0
3045145 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS 90DEG	0
1776906 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5MM	360
1845523 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 5.08MM	0
1835274 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 20POS 5.08MM	18
1716941 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7.62MM 4POS	15
1790399 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 24POS STR 3.5MM	220
1924127 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0

Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

1. Overview

Terminal blocks, headers, plugs, and sockets are essential components in electrical and electronic systems for establishing reliable connections between circuits. These devices enable signal transmission, power distribution, and system modularity. Their standardized designs ensure interoperability, scalability, and ease of maintenance in complex systems.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Terminal Blocks	Screw/clamp-based connections for high current/ voltage	Industrial control panels, power distribution units
PCB Headers	Pin/grid arrays for board-to-board connections	Embedded systems, Arduino shields
RJ Connectors	Modular jacks for data/telecom signals	Ethernet networks (RJ45), telephone systems (RJ11)
D-Sub Connectors	Multi-pin trapezoidal shells for analog/digital signals	Legacy serial interfaces, industrial sensors
USB Connectors	Hot-pluggable interfaces for power/data	Consumer electronics, peripheral devices

3. Structure and Components

Typical structures include:

Insulating housing (PA66, PBT, or LCP plastics)
Contact elements (phosphor bronze, beryllium copper)
Plating materials (gold, tin, nickel for corrosion resistance)
Actuation mechanisms (screws, spring clamps, or friction fits)
EMI shielding layers (for high-frequency applications)

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Importance
Current Rating (A)	Determines power handling capacity
Voltage Rating (V)	Defines dielectric strength requirements
Contact Resistance (m )	Impacts signal integrity and power loss
Insertion Loss (dB)	Critical for high-speed data transmission
Mating Cycles	Indicates mechanical durability
Operating Temperature (- C to + C)	Defines environmental tolerance

5. Application Fields

Primary industries include:

Industrial automation (PLCs, HMIs)
Telecommunications (5G base stations, routers)
Consumer electronics (smartphones, wearables)
Medical equipment (imaging devices, patient monitors)
Automotive (EV charging systems, ADAS)

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product
Phoenix Contact	COMBICON series terminal blocks
TE Connectivity	MICRO MATCH connectors
Molex	SL Series headers
Amphenol	D-Subminiature connectors
Samtec	QTE high-speed socket systems

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

Electrical requirements (current/voltage levels)
Mechanical constraints (space, vibration)
Environmental factors (temperature, humidity)
Signal integrity needs (frequency, noise rejection)
Cost vs. reliability trade-offs
Compliance with standards (IPC, IEC, UL)

8. Industry Trends

Emerging developments include:

Miniaturization for wearable devices
High-speed connectors for 5G/6G ( 25 Gbps)
Hybrid connectors integrating power/data
Eco-friendly materials (halogen-free, RoHS compliant)
Smart connectors with built-in sensors
Automotive-grade connectors for EVs